Matthew 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
Larry Hutch in his book 10 Curses that block the Blessing says, “God wants us to choose the path of blessing. Don’t allow someone to speak a curse into your life or family and don’t do it either! Do not curse your children. “He so stupid, he’ll never accomplish anything.” “That girl he married, she’ll leave him someday.” Don’t be prophets of doom. Don’t curse them, but speak blessings of God on them.”
You and I are anointed by God to speak blessing on the children under our care. Some parents in the New Testament understood the power of God’s blessing and desired our Lord to lay His hands on their children. We are Christ’s ambassadors in this world and have the duty to speak blessing on those around us. May God help us to proclaim words of blessing always! Let us learn!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Time I Need
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the grace you have given me,
To live in such a time as this,
I will not be silent, I will not hold back,
To tell of your wonderful works to the children of men,
To be an advocate to the needy
To empower your people
But Lord,
I pray for time!
Your say time and chance are in your hands,
It is a resource you have given to us mankind.
Lord I serve people,
People are my ministry!
People need to be supported,
People need to be loved
People need to be cared!
People do not know how I care for their business!
But Lord I do not have time it takes!
Help me create time for each
Man, woman, boy and girl when they need me
That I will be there!
Help me create time for these!
Lord its all about people!
At the end of the day Lord I shall give an account!
To you Lord!
Help me Lord to number my days,
That I may apply my heart to wisdom,
In the length of days is understanding.
May I be wise with the multitude of years
Time is a resource available to all
Teach me Lord! Teach me Lord!
To manage Your time!
A resource from you!
For I am a limited resource!!!
Written by Pastor Kibera – an ode when he was under pressure for service
Ec 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Job 12:12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
Job 32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
Ps 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Thank you for the grace you have given me,
To live in such a time as this,
I will not be silent, I will not hold back,
To tell of your wonderful works to the children of men,
To be an advocate to the needy
To empower your people
But Lord,
I pray for time!
Your say time and chance are in your hands,
It is a resource you have given to us mankind.
Lord I serve people,
People are my ministry!
People need to be supported,
People need to be loved
People need to be cared!
People do not know how I care for their business!
But Lord I do not have time it takes!
Help me create time for each
Man, woman, boy and girl when they need me
That I will be there!
Help me create time for these!
Lord its all about people!
At the end of the day Lord I shall give an account!
To you Lord!
Help me Lord to number my days,
That I may apply my heart to wisdom,
In the length of days is understanding.
May I be wise with the multitude of years
Time is a resource available to all
Teach me Lord! Teach me Lord!
To manage Your time!
A resource from you!
For I am a limited resource!!!
Written by Pastor Kibera – an ode when he was under pressure for service
Ec 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Job 12:12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
Job 32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
Ps 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Kianyaga Children Home
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Quite a number of babies have been left at the orphanage's gate, others abandoned in the hospital! Pray for these children! One of the boys is called Pastor, his mother was said to have gone insane!
Thank God for FEP Foundation!
James 1:27
Onesmus Kibera
FEP Foundation
0733 600 213
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Missions Month 2009 Wk III
FAITH PROMISE -MISSIONS MONTH
On Sunday 20th September 2009 we had our Faith Missions Emphasis at the Mount Kenya Baptist Church.Brother Longisa who resides in Rumuruti, West Laikipia shared the the missions message. They recently had baptism of 16at the Crossroads Baptist Church – where he pastors.
Pst Longisa told us about the Samburu Outreach. They had a bible institute at Baragoi which is a semi arid region. Theyhave had two baptisms, each time baptizing 4. They have a good class of men learning the word of God. He encouraged usto pray for peace among the communities living in Baragoi. Pray for tranquility among the Samburu, Pokot and Turkanawho live in that area. There is cattle rustling from time to time and that seems like a way of life. At times it leave scores ofpeople dead! Families are emotionally maimed and even worse at time people dying without Jesus. The drought is bitingcurrently, pray for the rains in that arid place!
PRAYER REQUESTS
- Faith Missions Promises 2009/10
- That the members of MKBC will promise by faith to support their 12 nationalmissionaries.
- The obedience of the Great Commission by the members.
- Security in Samburu, Baragoi and Ol Moran areas. A lasting solution to the cattle rustling menace!
- John Longisa’s wife Lucy – Health
- Samuel Emoit and Echuu who serve in the Ol Moran and Magadi Baptist Churches.
On Sunday 20th September 2009 we had our Faith Missions Emphasis at the Mount Kenya Baptist Church.Brother Longisa who resides in Rumuruti, West Laikipia shared the the missions message. They recently had baptism of 16at the Crossroads Baptist Church – where he pastors.Pst Longisa told us about the Samburu Outreach. They had a bible institute at Baragoi which is a semi arid region. Theyhave had two baptisms, each time baptizing 4. They have a good class of men learning the word of God. He encouraged usto pray for peace among the communities living in Baragoi. Pray for tranquility among the Samburu, Pokot and Turkanawho live in that area. There is cattle rustling from time to time and that seems like a way of life. At times it leave scores ofpeople dead! Families are emotionally maimed and even worse at time people dying without Jesus. The drought is bitingcurrently, pray for the rains in that arid place!
John came with Pst Samuel Emoit from Ol Moran in West Laikipia. Emoit pastored the Church at Magadi but now is inthe church at Ol Moran. The church at Ol Moran is at the furthest point of Laikipa West. He asked the members of MKBCto pray for security in their area so the the preaching of the Gospel will continue! He reminded the members of to remainsteadfast, immovable always abiding in the work of the Lord! Service for God is not in vain! 1 Corinthians 15:58
PRAYER REQUESTS
- Faith Missions Promises 2009/10
- That the members of MKBC will promise by faith to support their 12 nationalmissionaries.
- The obedience of the Great Commission by the members.
- Security in Samburu, Baragoi and Ol Moran areas. A lasting solution to the cattle rustling menace!
- John Longisa’s wife Lucy – Health
- Samuel Emoit and Echuu who serve in the Ol Moran and Magadi Baptist Churches.
PICTORIAL
From top: Pastors Kibera, John Longisa and Samuel Emoit, center John Longisa, lower Samuel Emoit
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Brokenness - Who is our model?
I visited a friend this morning. He had been reading Gene Edwards’ book "A Tale Of Three Kings". He's amazed (and so am I) at how David, the real king arrived at the decision to leave his throne! The excerpt goes as follows:
“I shall leave the city. The throne is the Lord’s. So is the kingdom. I will not hinder God. No obstacle, no activity on my part lies in the space between God and His will. He has no hindrance to prevent Him from His will. If I am not to be King our God will find no difficulties in making Absalom to be Israel’s king. Now it is possible. GOD SHALL BE GOD!
Gene Edwards A Tale Of Three Kings – pg 98
Such brokenness! The king after God’s own heart left the throne to allow God work! God later exalted him to the throne!
God exalted our Saviour when he came to dwell with mankind. He left His glory above to come and save us.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:6-11 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Evangelism
“Everybody ought to know who Jesus is!”, says a chorus in a song. Each of us believers ought to tell of this wondrous story, how a Savior came from glory to save sinful man. Evangelism is not simply getting people to change their beliefs and accept ours. Sometimes we are so passionate about our religion and so forth.
As we draw close to our Missions Emphasis month – this September; and commit ourselves by faith in sending forth the Gospel light we must come to realise that the work of spreading the Gospel is endowed on each one of us. You and I! Mark Dever in the 9 Marks says,
Christians often leave evangelism to “the professionals” out of a sense of inadequacy, apathy, ignorance, fear, or simply feeling that it is inappropriate for them to do it. Perhaps they are not so sure of what evangelism entails and how it is to be done. And this situation is tragic. I am convinced that one of the distinguishing marks of a healthy church is a biblical understanding and practice of evangelism.
Reaching out for the lost with the Gospel is not the work of the pastor, deacons and our missionaries – “the professionals”. We must realise that Jesus left us believers - the task of going out and make disciples. We are to be witnesses of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…”
Pauls shares what he received! He shares the Gospel that brought him salvation – the essence of his message was on the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for our sins, his burial and resurrection. Jesus paid it all, the debt for our sins. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.( Romans 3:23) Yet our God is Love full of mercy and desires our salvation! But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.(Ephesians 2:4) Jesus today lives in heart of every believer! We must share this message!
The Lord desires that all should repent!
2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Harvest Fields Part II
THE FATHER’S WILL
John 4:31-38
I. DOING THE FATHER’S WILL SATISFIES
The disciples came from town with food. The Samaritan woman had left the water pot. They asked Jesus to eat. Jesus answered them that he needed not to eat John 4:32 “But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”
Our Lord further expounds his statement in v 34
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
Salvation for sinners is God’s will. This is a satisfying event when we see a lost person come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ!
II. DOING THE FATHER’S WILL IS URGENT
Our Lord poses a question to His disciples. Let us look in verse 35
“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
Jesus is telling them that the reaping of souls for the eternity is compared to that of a harvest. Harvest time does not take for ever.
When a farmer is looking forward for the harvest he does not plan for other activities during that time. Harvest time is a short but work intensive time. Years ago when I would go to visit my mother in West Laikipia, I assisted with harvesting maize. Any wise farmer wants to harvest their maize before it rains. Rain can destroy a ready crop.
The harvesting of souls is to be done urgently for no one knows about tomorrow. No one has their life in their own hands.
LIFT UP YOUR EYES
The Lord Of The Harvest is telling you and me to look up. Push away, from the table, look out through the window pane. Just beyond the house of plenty lies a field of golden grain (the song says)
Jesus wants you to look beyond the walls of MKBC. We should stop waiting for non-believers to come to us. WE ARE TO GO OUT!
Here in the table, in the comfort of the brethren. LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Many of us the church is our comfort zone. We are not stretching for the Lord. The season of the harvest is here. Others planted the seed of the kingdom. Others have sown in tears they went sowing in hard times. The Lord of the harvest is telling you to rise up and shine for Him. Go out.
Our Lord is saying, Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
That when you look you will see me and women, young and old, children who are ready for Salvation (God’s harvest). That when you see them you will be moved by Godly conviction to do something! It is not the assignment of Mch. Kibera Pst Daniels and the deacons it is the work of each of us. Do Something Don’t just sit there!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Harvest Fields Part I
The 13th September 2009 was our second Sunday in the missions Month. Brother John Chirchir gave a great testimony and gave the missions report from the Naibor area. Let us keep brother Korir in prayer as he pursues his vision to serve in Northern Kenya. Pray for a swift tongu that will learn the Borana and Somali languages so he will be able to communicate the Gospel to these people in the North.
In part I of our message that Sunday was:
LOOK AT THE HARVEST FIELD!
JOHN 4:27-38
INTRODUCTION
John 4: 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.
Jesus knew what lay ahead. It is noteworthy that in the Gospel of Matthew, He had instructed His disciples to not to go in the way of the Samaritans. In this particular situation Jesus sees the need of a woman at the well in Samaria.
Our Lord is able to talk to her about desiring living water. She was able to hear that Jesus was indeed the Messiah who was to come. Jesus disclosed to her, “I who speak to you am He” v 26
It is at this juncture that the disciples come back from their errand of getting food and found our Lord speaking to the Samaritan woman.
COME SEE A MAN
The woman left her water pot and rushed to her city to and said to the men,
Luke 4: 28-29 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”
Ephesians 2 is a particular passage about conversion. According to the Bible, REPENTANCE IS A GIFT OF GOD, AND FAITH IS A GIFT OF GOD, given not because of our merit but because of God’s merit. The Samaritan had got the God’s gift. She did not deserve it. There was a great change, this conversion had brought. She wanted to tell it all.
We sing a chorus that says:
He has done so much for me,
And I cannot tell it all,
He has done so much for me!
THE WOMAN FORGOT HER ERRAND TO THE WELL
She left her waterpot at the well and ran into her town to inform about a Man – Jesus Christ. The woman was taken up by good things and she did not want to be the beneficiary of good news alone. She did so for a better thing! Her friends and neighbors NEEDED TO HEAR WHAT SHE HAD HEARD! Faith for all comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. God’s word had stirred her heart. She needed others to know!
SHE MINDED HER ERRAND TO THE TOWN
In the city was where her friends and neighbors were. She wanted her friends and neighbors to know Christ.
Luke 15:9 “And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’
Jesus is our treasure. She called her friends and neighbours to rejoice with her but also share the news!
SHE WAS SUCCESSFUL
John 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”
Have we seen Jesus? In your personal experience have you seen Him. He was real to this woman. She did not impose Jesus on her friends and neighbours. She was excited about the Messiah. Instead of imposing she tells the people of her city:
John 4:29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”
Could this be the Christ? She wanted the people of the city to find out for themselves. She posed to the people a thought provoking question! The people wanted to find out!
The Bible says, Then they went out of the city and came to Him. v 30
The people believed because of the testimony of that woman. We are expected by the help of the Holy Spirit to have an impact for Christ to the lost!
In part I of our message that Sunday was:
LOOK AT THE HARVEST FIELD!
JOHN 4:27-38
INTRODUCTION
John 4: 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.
Jesus knew what lay ahead. It is noteworthy that in the Gospel of Matthew, He had instructed His disciples to not to go in the way of the Samaritans. In this particular situation Jesus sees the need of a woman at the well in Samaria.
Our Lord is able to talk to her about desiring living water. She was able to hear that Jesus was indeed the Messiah who was to come. Jesus disclosed to her, “I who speak to you am He” v 26
It is at this juncture that the disciples come back from their errand of getting food and found our Lord speaking to the Samaritan woman.
COME SEE A MAN
The woman left her water pot and rushed to her city to and said to the men,
Luke 4: 28-29 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”
Ephesians 2 is a particular passage about conversion. According to the Bible, REPENTANCE IS A GIFT OF GOD, AND FAITH IS A GIFT OF GOD, given not because of our merit but because of God’s merit. The Samaritan had got the God’s gift. She did not deserve it. There was a great change, this conversion had brought. She wanted to tell it all.
We sing a chorus that says:
He has done so much for me,
And I cannot tell it all,
He has done so much for me!
THE WOMAN FORGOT HER ERRAND TO THE WELL
She left her waterpot at the well and ran into her town to inform about a Man – Jesus Christ. The woman was taken up by good things and she did not want to be the beneficiary of good news alone. She did so for a better thing! Her friends and neighbors NEEDED TO HEAR WHAT SHE HAD HEARD! Faith for all comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. God’s word had stirred her heart. She needed others to know!
SHE MINDED HER ERRAND TO THE TOWN
In the city was where her friends and neighbors were. She wanted her friends and neighbors to know Christ.
Luke 15:9 “And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’
Jesus is our treasure. She called her friends and neighbours to rejoice with her but also share the news!
SHE WAS SUCCESSFUL
John 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.”
Have we seen Jesus? In your personal experience have you seen Him. He was real to this woman. She did not impose Jesus on her friends and neighbours. She was excited about the Messiah. Instead of imposing she tells the people of her city:
John 4:29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”
Could this be the Christ? She wanted the people of the city to find out for themselves. She posed to the people a thought provoking question! The people wanted to find out!
The Bible says, Then they went out of the city and came to Him. v 30
The people believed because of the testimony of that woman. We are expected by the help of the Holy Spirit to have an impact for Christ to the lost!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Go Ye Therfore!
September each year is a special month at Mt Kenya Baptist Church. This Sunday our missionary, Pastor John Longisa will bring the missions message to our people at MKBC. May The Lord warm our hearts to be daily engaged in Pursuit for mankind who would receive God gift of grace in repentance. This message was shared at MKBC on 6 Sept 2009 to start our missions month!
GO THEREFORE! MATTHEW 28:16-20
INTRODUCTION
Chapter 28 begins with the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb where our Lord Jesus was buried. It is the first day of the week – Sunday morning. They found that the tombstone had been rolled away. The angel of the Lord informs the two women that Jesus who was crucified is not there in the grave for he is risen, as he said v 6. They were instructed to go and inform the disciples that he – Jesus is risen and he was to go before them to Galilee – there shall ye see him v 7
Jesus appeared to them as they were running to tell the disciples. The two women were afraid and filled with joy. The Lord tells them not to be afraid. I believe that His appearing to the women took away their fear, which they had. The message is that Jesus would meet his brethren in Galilee. It was in Galilee that Jesus began his earthly ministry by calling out the disciples. Imagine that Jesus – the risen Lord was going to meet with His disciples.
The soldiers that guarded the grave were fearful and shaken up v 4 that night of the resurrection they had become as dead men! The contrast of the women is that of fear and great joy. The risen Lord eventually alleviates their fears!
The chief priests who were the religious leaders then, heard the report of the things that had happened and wanted to counter that with a false report. This fictitious report was circulated around to counter the truth that – Jesus was risen. You and I know that bad news travel faster than good news!
THE DISCIPLES WENT TO GALILEE
Our Lord had told the disciples that he would rise up from the dead and would go before them into Galilee. Matthew 26:32 “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” The disciples saw the Lord. They knew the place of their appointment, Matthew says into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them v 16. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Still some of the disciples could not comprehend and identify the resurrected Christ. Even today there are two categories of disciples worshippers and doubters! Which one are you? This is not the only time that the Lord had appeared to the disciples probably prior to this incident. John 20:19-23 gives the account of the resurrection day when our Lord appeared to the 11.
Could this message be coming to a disciple who doubting today? We now look back almost 2000 years since when Lord was raised from the dead by God! The Great Commission as it is called is evidence to us; that live in the ends of the earth that our Savior indeed is alive! Christian look around and see what the Lord has done through the rest of the passage.
THE GREAT COMMISSION - GO YE THEREFORE!
You and I are Christ’s disciples! We are of the household of faith. Our Lord is commissioning us to go. He is not telling us to stay. He wants us today to tell the nations. When He told his disciple how they were to tell the nations. I believe the completion of this commission is found in Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria”, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. For the disciples to reach all nations with the Gospel they were to start from their sphere of influence - Jerusalem. You and I are not Jews – the gospel came to us. We could say we are in the uttermost parts of the earth from to this place at the mountain where Jesus gave this commission! As it was a command to the disciples to go EVEN SO TODAY MUST EVERY DISCIPLE OF JESUS GO OUT! The call to go has specific instructions:
I. MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS
The phrase teach all nations refers to converting all Gentiles or make disciples or every nation. Earlier in this book of Matthew, Jesus had sent his disciples to the lost sheep of Israel Mt 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This time our Saviour, the resurrected Christ sends out his disciples to all nations! Romans 1:16 says, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. The Gospel commission is open to us the Gentiles who form part of the nations.
The church is God’s means of Christ’s mission to the world. It is God’s commission to the Mt. Kenya Baptist Church to carry out the mission to our world. We are to make disciples of all nations starting right here in our town – reaching people we meet day to day. Further we are to do the same by supporting the work of our missionaries that we support in different places in this country and Tanzania. The Lord wills to do more in our neighboring countries that need the gospel message! He is looking for disciples that will obey the commission to go! Will you go therefore?
II. BAPTIZING THEM
When the disciples are converted they are to be baptized. The institution that was to do this work is the Church. The disciples of Jesus had been baptizing earlier as recorded in John 4:1,2. However the baptism that Jesus commissions is to be done uniquely acknowledging the Triune God - baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost –v 19.
Baptism is not intended to be a ritual, as a tradition in a Church – believing in Jesus Christ must precede it. One must be a disciple of Jesus prior to being baptized. Today many religions have it all wrong thinking that by baptism they are believers in Christ. Ephesians 2:8,9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” One among the good works or deeds a disciple should be identified with is Baptism. Not as part of his salvation but as a deed of outward obedience to his new Lord Jesus Christ.
III. TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” v 20. The disciples had been with Jesus. From the sermon on the mountain in chapter 5, to the miracles he did, to the parables he had taught, to the times he had withstood the opposition of the Pharisees and the Sadducees – They had been with Jesus. They were to teach the new disciples in Christ to observe the things of their new found faith in Christ. The local New Testament church is to provide an edifying and exhorting ministry. In the book of Acts we see this further developed in the new church. Acts 2:41,42 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The church should have an on-going ministry of discipleship to new believers.
A PROMISE FOR ME
The last chapter in this book of Matthew ends with a great promise! It is a promise of God’s presence. The disciples would definitely miss Jesus their Rabbi, physically! That would be a lonesome time considering how close he had been to them. This was a promise to the 11 disciples of Jesus then, and it is to us today. Jesus in his prayer in John 17:20 prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.”
The great commission is to be carried forth unto the end of the world. The Mount Kenya Baptist Church is charged by our Lord to continue fervently in the proclamation of the gospel until the end of the age! In our might it is not possible. It is a spiritual charge. It is possible with the help of God’s Holy Spirit! We have a sure promise of God’s presence as we fulfill this great commission.
Will you go? Jesus meets with his disciples in a special place in Galilee with a special message to them. He gave them a charge that they were to carry out and Lo! It has come to us and we are to do likewise as other disciples also did!
In the African context the words of a dying person to his children or to someone are taken seriously! Jesus was not going to die, He had resurrected from the death. He would soon ascend to the Father (Acts 1). His last words to us while on earth are important.
WITH ME ALWAYS
Disciples that stay focused to the task of the Great Commission are assured of God’s presence. They will grow in the faith, they will not doubt the Son of God like other disciples, they will grow to become just like Jesus (Eph 4:13). There is a song that says this: “To be like Jesus, To be like Jesus, All I want is to be like Him, All through life’s journey, From earth to glory, All I ask to be like Him” Yes, you and I are assured of his omnipresence as we carry out the Great Commission. Go Ye Therefore!
Matthew closes this Gospel assuring us what Hebrew 13:5b,6 tells us “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Some words of a favorite chorus, says, “Who will carry the touch? Who will lift up the flame? And walk in the darkness, with the light of His Word?” The responsibility of carrying the Gospel torch and raising the Gospel flame, is yours disciple! Go Ye Therefore!
GO THEREFORE! MATTHEW 28:16-20
INTRODUCTION
Chapter 28 begins with the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb where our Lord Jesus was buried. It is the first day of the week – Sunday morning. They found that the tombstone had been rolled away. The angel of the Lord informs the two women that Jesus who was crucified is not there in the grave for he is risen, as he said v 6. They were instructed to go and inform the disciples that he – Jesus is risen and he was to go before them to Galilee – there shall ye see him v 7
Jesus appeared to them as they were running to tell the disciples. The two women were afraid and filled with joy. The Lord tells them not to be afraid. I believe that His appearing to the women took away their fear, which they had. The message is that Jesus would meet his brethren in Galilee. It was in Galilee that Jesus began his earthly ministry by calling out the disciples. Imagine that Jesus – the risen Lord was going to meet with His disciples.
The soldiers that guarded the grave were fearful and shaken up v 4 that night of the resurrection they had become as dead men! The contrast of the women is that of fear and great joy. The risen Lord eventually alleviates their fears!
The chief priests who were the religious leaders then, heard the report of the things that had happened and wanted to counter that with a false report. This fictitious report was circulated around to counter the truth that – Jesus was risen. You and I know that bad news travel faster than good news!
THE DISCIPLES WENT TO GALILEE
Our Lord had told the disciples that he would rise up from the dead and would go before them into Galilee. Matthew 26:32 “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” The disciples saw the Lord. They knew the place of their appointment, Matthew says into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them v 16. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Still some of the disciples could not comprehend and identify the resurrected Christ. Even today there are two categories of disciples worshippers and doubters! Which one are you? This is not the only time that the Lord had appeared to the disciples probably prior to this incident. John 20:19-23 gives the account of the resurrection day when our Lord appeared to the 11.
Could this message be coming to a disciple who doubting today? We now look back almost 2000 years since when Lord was raised from the dead by God! The Great Commission as it is called is evidence to us; that live in the ends of the earth that our Savior indeed is alive! Christian look around and see what the Lord has done through the rest of the passage.
THE GREAT COMMISSION - GO YE THEREFORE!
You and I are Christ’s disciples! We are of the household of faith. Our Lord is commissioning us to go. He is not telling us to stay. He wants us today to tell the nations. When He told his disciple how they were to tell the nations. I believe the completion of this commission is found in Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria”, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. For the disciples to reach all nations with the Gospel they were to start from their sphere of influence - Jerusalem. You and I are not Jews – the gospel came to us. We could say we are in the uttermost parts of the earth from to this place at the mountain where Jesus gave this commission! As it was a command to the disciples to go EVEN SO TODAY MUST EVERY DISCIPLE OF JESUS GO OUT! The call to go has specific instructions:
I. MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS
The phrase teach all nations refers to converting all Gentiles or make disciples or every nation. Earlier in this book of Matthew, Jesus had sent his disciples to the lost sheep of Israel Mt 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This time our Saviour, the resurrected Christ sends out his disciples to all nations! Romans 1:16 says, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. The Gospel commission is open to us the Gentiles who form part of the nations.
The church is God’s means of Christ’s mission to the world. It is God’s commission to the Mt. Kenya Baptist Church to carry out the mission to our world. We are to make disciples of all nations starting right here in our town – reaching people we meet day to day. Further we are to do the same by supporting the work of our missionaries that we support in different places in this country and Tanzania. The Lord wills to do more in our neighboring countries that need the gospel message! He is looking for disciples that will obey the commission to go! Will you go therefore?
II. BAPTIZING THEM
When the disciples are converted they are to be baptized. The institution that was to do this work is the Church. The disciples of Jesus had been baptizing earlier as recorded in John 4:1,2. However the baptism that Jesus commissions is to be done uniquely acknowledging the Triune God - baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost –v 19.
Baptism is not intended to be a ritual, as a tradition in a Church – believing in Jesus Christ must precede it. One must be a disciple of Jesus prior to being baptized. Today many religions have it all wrong thinking that by baptism they are believers in Christ. Ephesians 2:8,9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” One among the good works or deeds a disciple should be identified with is Baptism. Not as part of his salvation but as a deed of outward obedience to his new Lord Jesus Christ.
III. TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” v 20. The disciples had been with Jesus. From the sermon on the mountain in chapter 5, to the miracles he did, to the parables he had taught, to the times he had withstood the opposition of the Pharisees and the Sadducees – They had been with Jesus. They were to teach the new disciples in Christ to observe the things of their new found faith in Christ. The local New Testament church is to provide an edifying and exhorting ministry. In the book of Acts we see this further developed in the new church. Acts 2:41,42 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The church should have an on-going ministry of discipleship to new believers.
A PROMISE FOR ME
The last chapter in this book of Matthew ends with a great promise! It is a promise of God’s presence. The disciples would definitely miss Jesus their Rabbi, physically! That would be a lonesome time considering how close he had been to them. This was a promise to the 11 disciples of Jesus then, and it is to us today. Jesus in his prayer in John 17:20 prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.”
The great commission is to be carried forth unto the end of the world. The Mount Kenya Baptist Church is charged by our Lord to continue fervently in the proclamation of the gospel until the end of the age! In our might it is not possible. It is a spiritual charge. It is possible with the help of God’s Holy Spirit! We have a sure promise of God’s presence as we fulfill this great commission.
Will you go? Jesus meets with his disciples in a special place in Galilee with a special message to them. He gave them a charge that they were to carry out and Lo! It has come to us and we are to do likewise as other disciples also did!
In the African context the words of a dying person to his children or to someone are taken seriously! Jesus was not going to die, He had resurrected from the death. He would soon ascend to the Father (Acts 1). His last words to us while on earth are important.
WITH ME ALWAYS
Disciples that stay focused to the task of the Great Commission are assured of God’s presence. They will grow in the faith, they will not doubt the Son of God like other disciples, they will grow to become just like Jesus (Eph 4:13). There is a song that says this: “To be like Jesus, To be like Jesus, All I want is to be like Him, All through life’s journey, From earth to glory, All I ask to be like Him” Yes, you and I are assured of his omnipresence as we carry out the Great Commission. Go Ye Therefore!
Matthew closes this Gospel assuring us what Hebrew 13:5b,6 tells us “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Some words of a favorite chorus, says, “Who will carry the touch? Who will lift up the flame? And walk in the darkness, with the light of His Word?” The responsibility of carrying the Gospel torch and raising the Gospel flame, is yours disciple! Go Ye Therefore!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Kwahuku Baptist Church
Tuesday, 15 September, 2009
Sunday was a special service at the Kwahuku Baptist Church. The dedication of the first three deacons at this country church brought memories to us. One day many years ago with this church was almost to close her doors. John Longisa and Washington committed themselves to go and serve each week in this church. They used to serve meet in a small church building made of mud walls. The Lord brought the work team from Palmetto Avenue Baptist Church who put up the building they now meet in.
John 4:34-38 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
These men are laboring for Christ.
Sunday was a special service at the Kwahuku Baptist Church. The dedication of the first three deacons at this country church brought memories to us. One day many years ago with this church was almost to close her doors. John Longisa and Washington committed themselves to go and serve each week in this church. They used to serve meet in a small church building made of mud walls. The Lord brought the work team from Palmetto Avenue Baptist Church who put up the building they now meet in.
Washington Mbugua (above) and Kenneth Chege are deacons at the Mt Kenya Baptist Church. We are thankful to God for consistent leadership that these two men have provided at the Kwahuku Baptist Church. Two other lay men Julius Wachira and Moses Lokuwi from MKBC serve together with them. Pst John Longisa is now missionary in West Laikipia and serves also in the Samburu District. He pastors the Crossroads Baptist Church at Rumuruti, Laikipia West.
John 4:34-38 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
These men are laboring for Christ.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Come See A Man
"John4:28,29 ' The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”
The woman forgot her errand to the well. She did so for a better thing. Her friends and neighbors needed to hear what she had heard. He minded her errand to the city. Like the woman in Luke 15:9 when she found her lost coin she calls her neighbors together saying, 'Rejoice with me for I have found the piece which I lost!' Jesus is our treasure, we've found him let go to the city and bring them to Jesus!"
The woman forgot her errand to the well. She did so for a better thing. Her friends and neighbors needed to hear what she had heard. He minded her errand to the city. Like the woman in Luke 15:9 when she found her lost coin she calls her neighbors together saying, 'Rejoice with me for I have found the piece which I lost!' Jesus is our treasure, we've found him let go to the city and bring them to Jesus!"
Missions Month 2009
We rejoiced with the message of Pastor John Chirchir yesterday at Mt. Kenya Baptist Church. The transformation of lives of young people through his orphan ministry at the Maramoja Village. A village that was characterized with drunkenness. Brother Chirchir was sad at the daily site of young people turned men and women lost in the cheer wastefulness of their secular living.
He looked at the children who lived in that village and saw a future in them. He would invite boys and girls to his house and around the fire place in his small mud house share Bible stories with them. They would memorize verses from the Keep The Word Of God in your heart booklet (Kuliweka Neno La Mungu Moyoni). These boys and girls memorized verse after verse. Those boys and girls always gave a great impression to the folks at Mount Kenya Baptist Church. This time brother Chirchir brought with him Julius Korir and Baruni.
Julius Korir gave his testimony of how the Lord saved him as a child in Pst Chirchir's ministry and how he has a calling to move to Northern Kenya as a missionary. Currently God has given him a ministry in Isiolo where he is learning the Borana and Somali languages.
In the meantime Baruni is in Secondary school but serving at the Tumaini Baptist Church.
John Chirchir pastors the Tumaini Baptist Church. The name Tumaini means Hope. The hope Pst Chirchir had for the village of Maramoja. Other ministries that occupy his daily schedule are the orphan care ministry at the village. He has adopted a discipleship-model of orphan care. He realizes that the best way to true biblical-change in the boys and girls in this orphan ministry is through Biblical discipleship. This is more that just providing food, clothing and shelter for those boys and girls. His wife Mary has been a great help to him.
Each Sunday about 230 attend the services there at Tumaini.
He looked at the children who lived in that village and saw a future in them. He would invite boys and girls to his house and around the fire place in his small mud house share Bible stories with them. They would memorize verses from the Keep The Word Of God in your heart booklet (Kuliweka Neno La Mungu Moyoni). These boys and girls memorized verse after verse. Those boys and girls always gave a great impression to the folks at Mount Kenya Baptist Church. This time brother Chirchir brought with him Julius Korir and Baruni.
Julius Korir gave his testimony of how the Lord saved him as a child in Pst Chirchir's ministry and how he has a calling to move to Northern Kenya as a missionary. Currently God has given him a ministry in Isiolo where he is learning the Borana and Somali languages.
In the meantime Baruni is in Secondary school but serving at the Tumaini Baptist Church.
John Chirchir pastors the Tumaini Baptist Church. The name Tumaini means Hope. The hope Pst Chirchir had for the village of Maramoja. Other ministries that occupy his daily schedule are the orphan care ministry at the village. He has adopted a discipleship-model of orphan care. He realizes that the best way to true biblical-change in the boys and girls in this orphan ministry is through Biblical discipleship. This is more that just providing food, clothing and shelter for those boys and girls. His wife Mary has been a great help to him.
Each Sunday about 230 attend the services there at Tumaini.
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